Page 59 of Scars and Burns

She smiles and gives me one last hug.

We pull away from each other just as Aemond is returning with our horses.

We mount and turn toward the path that leads out of the Shadowlands.

Then I hear,

“Do not fight fate, My King. Your will, will not overcome our Goddess’s.”

It’s in my head. Estelle’s voice. She is a telepath just like Queen Freya was. She is very spiritual and has a strong connection to our Goddess which is no surprise as she was trained to be a priestess.

I glance over my shoulder. Using the telepathic skills she has taught me,

“My fate is my own.”

“Is that so? Your mate might say the same.”

We share a look. She’s growing smaller in the distance but I can see it on her face. Knowing who we are both thinking. She knows of Dinalia. And aside from Aemond, she knows me the best out of anyone else in my life. She has been blessed with knowledge from our Goddess.

Of what she will not say.

* * *

We arrive in the Middle Kingdom right on time. The ride was long but not treacherous.

Most of the dark creatures that have emerged, sense our shadow magic and see us as one in the same as them. Leaving us alone as we are not a threat to them. They will fight with us when the time comes.

We ride right up to the front of the gates. My chest begins to tighten. Knowing I am about to see Dinalia for the first time in years. I have to act as if I do not know her. Have to resist the burn of my Goddess mark. Restrain the need to take her into my arms.

Along with hiding the fact that I know King Elio murdered Queen Freya. He of course, said she was lost in the raid. The only substantial life. The rest were soldiers and servants that the common people do not pay any mind to.

We entered the castle. Aemond at my side. I follow the escort with my head held high. I am a prince after all.

I pay no heed to the other servants that scurry away after seeing us. I see the wandering eyes, hear the whispers.

I snicker at them. This is the first time since the division of the three realms that the Shadowlands have entered the Middle Kingdom in peace.

They value life. Cowards constantly trying to defy death. But they cannot escape it.

Cannot escape me.

I stumbled slightly just as we were getting to the grand doors. Aemond looks at me. I know what he is thinking. But I can’t bring myself to care or meet his eyes. Not when I feel it.

The pinch of my heart. The burn of my Goddess mark. The pull of my longing soul.

She is here. She is behind those doors.

The page announces our arrival, “The representative of the Shadowlands, Prince Aeron, son of King Perseus.” The double doors enter. It’s utter silence as we make our way down the grand hall towards King Elio. Princess Saphrina to his left and Lady Dinalia to his right.

I look straight at King Elio. I can’t look at her, not yet. But I see her out of the corner of my eye. The shock, disbelief, and confusion on her face.

She is exquisite.

She’s wearing a high neck gown. Clearly still keeping her complete Goddess mark a secret. I wonder how she keeps it from the servants and those she engages in more personal matters with.

Unless she doesn’t engage.

Her gown is thick and structured. Long elegant sleeves with cuffs that hang low. Cinching at her waist, and although her breasts are small, still showing off her lustful figure. The color of her gown is asapphire blue embellished with silver accent decor. If I didn’t know any better. I’d think she wore this dress to match my eyes.

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